November 7th, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 5, 2013
Navy to Participate in Veterans Week NYC 2013
NEW YORK – Several hundred U.S. Navy Sailors will participate in Veterans Week NYC 2013 from Nov. 6 -12 in New York City to honor the service and sacrifice of all American veterans. Sailors from local commands in Manhattan, the Bronx, Long Island and New Jersey will be joined by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Rear Admiral Rick Snyder, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, and the captain and crew of USS New York (LPD 21), which will take part in many Veterans Week public events.
Veterans Week NYC 2013 and America’s Parade are presented by the United War Veterans Council to honor the sacrifices and service of all veterans. America’s Parade is the largest Veterans Day event in the NYC and has been held every year since 1919.
“It is important for us to remember the sacrifice of all our veterans. The impact they have had on our nation cannot be overstated,” said Mabus. “For more than 238 years our Sailors and Marines have provided a global presence, defending America’s interests far from home, as part of the finest expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known. This legacy was built upon the selfless sacrifices of our veterans, those who have willingly stood the watch, in harm’s way, for decades.”
“It is truly a privilege to be here in New York to take a moment to pause and pay tribute to our veterans,” said Mabus, “But this also gives us the opportunity to say thank you to the city of New York, and to our communities around the country, for the tremendous support to our veterans, past and present, who are some of the finest men and women our country has to offer.”
Sailors will take part in a broad swath of activities including interaction with local students, cross-training with New York-based firefighters and police, attending Veterans Week remembrances and galas, and marching in America’s Parade.
“It’s an honor to bring USS New York back to its namesake in celebration of our Veterans,” said Snyder. “Veterans have been a pivotal part of forging this great nation and it is fitting that today’s active duty Sailors and Marines have the opportunity to pay tribute, through not only their service, but also their personal thanks.”
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For more information about the Navy’s participation in Veterans Week NYC 2013, contact the Navy Office of Information East at navinfoeast@gmail.com.

September 13th, 2013

NORFOLK (NNS) — The crews of amphibious transport dock ships USS New York (LPD 21) and USS Arlington (LPD 24) commemorated events of Sept. 11, 2001 at a memorial ceremony aboard New York this morning.
“Some of you are probably surprised when you realize it has been 12 years since the tragic events of 9/11/01″ said Capt. Jon Kreitz, New York commanding officer.

‘No matter your age at the time, 9/11 was a day that changed each of us and our lives forever,” he continued. “Our commitment to defend the United States is especially poignant today, as we pay an ongoing tribute here on board the mighty New York and Arlington. As we contemplate the challenges ahead, we share a profound sense of duty, brought once again into sharp focus. It is our sacred duty to our nation, our sacred duty to our fellow countrymen, to ‘Never Forget’ those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.”
Both New York and Arlington were built in honor of these attacks with the New York having seven and a half tons of World Trade Center steel in her bow. Arlington pays tribute to the city of Arlington, Va. where the Pentagon is located.

“This was the last morning our country was in ‘Force Protection Normal,’” said Chief Petty Officer Select Boatswain’s Mate Tricia Pearson.

“My naval career, life and country would never be the same,” she continued. “I was scared and worried as to what was going to happen next. The many heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice that day, are one of the reasons I put my uniform on with pride every day, to keep our country safe.”

The ceremony was organized by chief selectees from New York, Arlington, Assault Craft Unit 4, and the Navy Mobile Construction Battalion Twenty Three Reserve Unit, and was attended by civilian guests and retired veterans.

“I have an amazing crew aboard the Arlington and it’s heartwarming to hear some on the stories from the Sailors about that day and how it affected them” said Cmdr. Darren Nelson, Arlington commanding officer.

“Those of you who have been deployed on a LPD 17 class ship can attest to the amazing capabilities we provide,” added Kreitz. “Mark my words, ships like New York and Arlington, manned by incredibly skilled and determined crews, will play an expanding role over the coming years as our country continues to engage around the globe.

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airliners and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

Often referred to as 9/11, the attacks resulted in the tragic loss of more than 3,000 people, including more than 400 firefighters and police officers.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.

The future USS New York LPD-21 under construction at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems’ shipyard in Avondale, LA, will be the fifth amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio class. The ship was named New York after the state and incorporates in its construction steel salvaged from the World Trade Centers. Her ship motto is "Never Forget." "We're very proud that the twisted steel from the WTC towers will soon be used to forge an even stronger national defense," New York Gov. George Pataki spoke in 2002. "The USS New York will soon be defending freedom and combating terrorism around the globe, while also ensuring that the world never forgets the evil attacks of Sept. 11 and the courage and strength New Yorkers showed.” This will be the seventh U.S. ship named New York.

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